Oral history interview with Richard Tousey, 1981 November 17, 1982 January 8 and June 4.

In this interview Richard Tousey describes his family background and early interests before discussing his beginning interest in ultraviolet studies at Harvard during his graduate education (Ph.D., 1933, Physics), and as an instructor there (1934-1936). His pre-war years at Tufts University (1936-1941) are briefly discussed before entering into the principle part of the interview concerning Tousey's work at Naval Research Laboratory (1941-), first as Head of the Instrument Section (1942-1945) and then as Head of the Micron Waves branch (1945-1958). The interview provides a thorough discussion of Tousey's activities in ths latter position, focusing on Naval Research Laboratory's reorganization, and subsequent scientific research program as V-2's became available for upper atmospheric and solar studies. Tousey's own research is a central feature of the discussion including his work in solar Ultra Violet spectroscopy, in the innovative design of Sepectrographs for use in rockets, as well as other optical work, and in the use of photographic and photoelectric data recording techniques. Tousey also provides critical insight into the organizational and personal working relationship within Naval Research Laboratory, as well as the research activities of other Naval Research Laboratory scientists.

Richard Tousey (May 18, 1908- ). Prominent Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) space scientist whose career spans the V-2, Aerobee, OSO, Solrad, and Skylab eras. Graduated from Tufts College in 1928 and received a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard in 1933. After teaching at both Tufts and Harvard he began his long assocation with the NRL in 1941.